JAMES TREGENT, Leicester Square, London c1785
Description:
An exceptionally fine George III, quarter repeating bracket clock of small proportions. The case is veneered with ebony with the principal moulding being gilt brass.
Standing on brass bracket feet, there are four pineapple finials and a single carrying handle. The side and front frets are of gilt brass, finely pierced and delicately engraved. The break arch brass dial has mask head spandrels, an aperture to view the false pendulum and two subsidiary dials in the arch for strike/silent and rise and fall regulation. Within the arch is a plaque bearing the maker’s signature and address.
The twin fusée movement has a suspended verge escapement and quarter repeating mechanism sounded on two bells and the hours on a separate bell. The back plate is beautifully engraved in a scroll and floral design.
James Tregent is recorded as a famous maker who worked in London from 1781 to 1808. He was watchmaker to the Prince of Wales and examples of his work are included in the British Museum, Guildhall Museum and the Science Museum.
The use of metal mouldings is a rare feature believed to be first introduced by Thomas Tompion and later favoured by Quare, Delander, Ellicott and Tregent.
Height: 14 in (35 cm)
Clockmaker: JAMES TREGENT, Leicester Square, London
Circa: 1785
Stock Number: 3996s
Height: 14 inches (35 cm.)